Synthesis of personal experience and literary data enabled the authors to define investigation algorithms for acute stroke corresponding to the technical background available in our country. The contribution of perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) using contrast agent (Gd-DTPA), without diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) seems to be very limited. Spiral CT seems to be the best choice for the contemporary level of technique available in this country. Normal CT and CT angiography can be obtained in a very short time if spiral CT is available.

        Key words: acute stroke - computerized tomography - magnetic resonance imaging - spiral CT